AfterTheClip

police-pursuit · Thurston County, Washington

What happened after K9 Asher apprehended a fleeing suspect in Thurston County?

What happened?

Charged

After a police pursuit in Thurston County, Washington, K9 Asher apprehended a fleeing suspect who was subsequently treated for injuries, booked into jail, and charged with attempting to elude, DUI, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

6 sourcesBy AfterTheClip Desk · Last checked Jun 22, 2026

By AfterTheClip Research · Research and drafting use automated tools; source, safety, and publication checks follow our documented standards.

The full story

A traffic stop in east Olympia, Washington, became a pursuit after a driver was clocked at 96 mph in a 35 mph zone on Rich Road. KIRO 7 said the driver refused to stop and eventually left the vehicle to run on foot. Video published by PoliceActivity shows a red SUV being pursued at night, officers searching after the vehicle stops and K9 Asher catching the fleeing suspect. The chase occurred on February 16, 2026, according to KIRO 7's March 1 follow-up. The suspect was then booked into the Thurston County Sheriff's Office jail on allegations of attempting to elude, driving under the influence and possessing drug paraphernalia. Those are booking allegations, not findings of guilt. Other local articles about Asher and Thurston County police dogs describe separate apprehensions and should not be folded into this event. The useful ending is limited but clear: the driver did not get away on foot, Asher completed the apprehension and deputies took the suspect to jail. The available incident-specific video and news article stop at booking rather than a later court decision.

Where things stand

KIRO 7's March 1, 2026 follow-up ends with the suspect booked on allegations of attempting to elude, driving under the influence and possessing drug paraphernalia. The PoliceActivity video shows the pursuit and K9 apprehension but does not supply a later legal result. Together they establish capture and booking, not a plea, dismissal, conviction or sentence. Separate stories about K9 Asher concern other suspects and events.

Checked through 2026-07-21.
Sources: KIRO 7 News Seattle

Timeline

  1. A driver was caught speeding at 96 mph in a 35 mph zone on Rich Road in east Olympia, Thurston County, and refused to stop, initiating a police pursuit.

  2. The pursuit ended when the suspect pulled into a "known drug compound" and attempted to flee on foot, where K9 Asher apprehended the suspect.

  3. The suspect was treated at the hospital for injuries sustained during the K9 apprehension.

  4. The suspect was booked into the Thurston County Sheriff's Office jail facing charges of attempting to elude, driving under the influence (DUI), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

  5. Authorities authorized a search warrant for drug paraphernalia from the suspect's vehicle and two vials of blood for forensic testing; no charges were filed for harming K9 Asher.

What people are asking

What were the charges against the suspect?

The suspect was charged with attempting to elude, driving under the influence (DUI), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Was K9 Asher injured during the apprehension?

No charges were filed against the suspect for harming a police dog, as authorities did not believe the suspect intentionally kicked K9 Asher during the apprehension, implying K9 Asher was not significantly harmed or that any contact was accidental.

What is the Thurston County Sheriff's Office policy on K9 deployment?

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office "Use of Force" policy manual, dated July 28, 2022, includes K9 deployment as a use of force, stating deputies shall use "reasonable care" and the "least amount of physical force necessary" to overcome resistance.

Receipts

How we researched this & corrections

Information was gathered from public news reports and official statements regarding the incident and the Thurston County Sheriff's Office policies.

Corrections: corrections@aftertheclip.com.

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